Teachers' Day 2024: 9 interesting facts about Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Received scholarships  Dr Radhakrishnan received scholarships throughout his academic life. He studied at Voorhees College in Vellore and Madras Christian College, Madras.

Teaching career He was the Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University and Andhra University. He also held the position of King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science at the University of Calcutta and the Spalding Chair of Eastern Religion and Ethics at the University of Oxford.

Indian Ambassador to Soviet Union  He served as the second ambassador of India to the Soviet Union between 1949 to 1952. He later became the Vice President of India between 1952 to 1962

Stint as President of India  He served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. Once his students and friends wanted to celebrate his birthday but he refused and asked them to celebrate the day as Teachers' Day, as he regarded teachers to play a crucial role in people's lives. 

Nomination to League of Nations   In 1931, he was nominated to the League of Nations Committee for Intellectual Cooperation. After India gained Independence, Radhakrishnan represented India at UNESCO and was elected as the Chairman of UNESCO's e

Bharat Ratna In 1954, Dr Radhakrishnan was awarded India’s highest civilian award —the Bharat Ratna — for his immense contributions to the country's development.

Received knighthood Dr Radhakrishnan received knighthood in 1931 and came to be known as Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. However, after Independence, he was referred to as Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

Donation after becoming President When he became the President of India, he accepted only Rs 2,500 out of Rs 10,000 salary and the remaining amount was donated to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund every month.

Nobel Prize nominee, never a winner Dr Radhakrishnan was nominated 27 times for the Nobel Prize —16 times for literature and 11 times for peace — but never won the award.

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